We focus on a Tibetan proverb advocating for a long and fulfilling life. The hosts, Sam and Claire, discuss the proverb’s key elements: “eat half”, “walk double”, “laugh triple”, and “love without measure”, explaining their modern-day interpretations and practical applications. The episode highlights the importance of mindful eating, increased movement, the benefits of laughter, and the role of social connections in fostering well-being. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider integrating these principles for a healthier, more joyful experience.

Transcript

Sam

Hey everyone and welcome back to Espresso Expedition’s Brewed Review, part of the Brida community, and we are so excited to be brewing up some wisdom with you all today.

Claire

Yes, we are. Today we’re diving into a really fascinating topic. Yeah. That’s been kind of buzzing around the community. Longevity.

Sam

Longevity.

Claire
Specifically, a Tibetan proverb about living well and longer. It popped up in a conversation, between Frank, our Brida Community founder, and a couple Céline and Alexandre.

Sam

And for those of you who haven’t met them, Céline’s a former nurse who’s now a consultant, and Alexander is an osteopath. So, they bring some pretty interesting perspectives to this whole longevity thing.

Claire

I mean, they’re both dealing with people’s health day in and day out. So, when they start talking about living well and longer, you know, it’s going to be good.

Sam

Okay. So, the proverb goes,

Clare

Lay it on us. “The secret of living well and longer is eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure.

Sam

Wow, what a fantastic proverb.

Claire

I know, right?

Sam

But beyond just how catchy it is. What does eat half really mean in our world? Overflowing grocery stores and supersized portions.

Claire

That’s exactly what’s fascinating here. This proverb challenges so much of what we’re used to in our modern Western society. We are constantly bombarded with messages to eat more, indulge more. And yet we’re also facing a rise in health issues directly related to overeating and a poor diet.

Sam

It’s funny because Alexandre actually jokes about this.

Claire

He does.

Sam

He says that he probably eats double and walks triple.

Claire

He does.

Sam

And playfully blames Céline’s delicious cooking. But his joke brings up a really important point.

Claire

What’s that?

Sam

It’s hard to resist those temptations.I mean, come on.

Claire

And you know, Céline adds another layer to this, talking about how for many cultures, food equals love, especially that motherly love where you feel almost obligated to eat everything on your plate to show your appreciation.

Sam

Oh my gosh. Yes. It’s like you’re rejecting their love if you don’t finish everything. My grandma was like that.

It was a constant battle.

Claire

I can imagine.

Sam

But you know,

Claire

But as Céline points out, sometimes it’s not even real hunger driving us. Have you ever noticed how even just the sight or smell of something delicious can make you want to eat, even if you just finished a meal?

Sam

All the time. It’s like our brain overrides our stomach.

Claire

Exactly. And then there’s the emotional component. When we’re stressed or feeling down, we often turn to comfort food. It’s a quick fix that doesn’t really address the root cause.

Sam

So, we’re painting a pretty clear picture here of the eat-have struggle.

Claire

We are.

Sam

So, what practical advice does Céline give to actually put this into practice?

Claire

Well, she suggests starting with a simple question. Before you reach for that snack or that extra serving, ask yourself, am I actually hungry? Just pause for a moment and check in with your body.

Sam

Okay? Could do that.

Claire

Maybe delay eating for a bit if you’re not truly hungry. And when you do eat, savour each bite. Pay attention to the flavours, the textures, the sweet, the salty, the crunchy, the soft.

Sam

That’s a great point. It’s about being present with your food, not just mindlessly shovelling it in. I know I’m guilty of that sometimes, especially when I’m working through lunch.

Claire

Right. We all do it.

Sam

We do.

Claire

But by being more mindful, You’re not just controlling how much you eat. You’re also enhancing the enjoyment of each bite.

Sam 

Makes sense. So, it’s not about deprivation. It’s about being intentional and present. But it’s also about breaking free from those robotic eating habits like always having that sugary cereal for breakfast just because that’s what you’ve always done.

Claire

Exactly. Céline really encourages everyone to question those ingrained habits. Do they really serve you? Are they supporting your overall well-being? Maybe it’s time to try something different, something that truly nourishes your body.

Sam

So, are you saying we need to give up all our favourite treats and become super strict about everything we eat?

Claire

Not at all. Remember, the proverb emphasizes moderation, not deprivation. Enjoy those treats, but just be mindful of the quantities and how often you indulge.

Sam

Yeah, that makes sense.

Claire

It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you can enjoy life’s pleasures while still nourishing your body in a way that supports your long-term health.

Sam

Okay, that makes total sense.

Claire

Good.

Sam 

But let’s move On to the next part of the proverb. Walk double. Does that literally mean we need to double the steps we take each day?

Claire 

Well, Alexandre as an osteopath would probably have a lot to say about the benefits of walking for your muscular-skeletal system. But taking it back to the proverb, I think it’s more about broadening our view of physical activity. It doesn’t have to be structured exercise. It’s about finding ways to move more throughout your day.

Sam

So; like taking the stairs instead of the elevator? Walking to a college’s desk instead of emailing them. Even doing housework or gardening. Those all count.

Claire

Absolutely. And here’s where it gets a little scary. A French cardiologist, François Carré,  actually claims that excessive screen time has become a major health risk. Potentially even worse than smoking.

Sam

Wow, that’s intense. I think we’re all guilty of spending way too much time in front of screens these days.

Claire

We are.

Sam

It’s definitely a wakeup call to be more conscious of how much we’re sitting versus moving,

Claire

Maybe walk double is less about hitting a specific step count and more about consciously breaking up those long periods of sitting with movement however we can fit it in.

Sam

Now, that’s a perspective I can get behind.

Claire

Good.

Sam
Okay, so we’ve covered eating less and moving more. What about the laugh triple part? This one sounds a lot more fun.

Claire

It definitely does. And it’s not just about having a good time. Laughter is actually a powerful stress reliever. And managing stress is a key factor in longevity.

Sam

I’ve definitely noticed that when I’m laughing, everything feels a little lighter, a little easier.

Claire

Exactly. And Céline and Alexandre both have great anecdotes about finding humour in their professions, even in challenging situations. Céline talks about sharing laughs with her colleagues during tough shifts as a nurse. And Alexandre mentions how laughter can help ease tension during osteopathy treatments.

Sam

I love that. It’s like that saying, laughter is the best medicine, Maybe there’s more truth to that than we realise  

Claire

I think so.

Sam

But before we get too carried away with laughter, we’ve got one more element of the proverb to unpack. Love without measure.

Claire

That’s a big one.

Sam

This one feels big.

Claire

It really does. And if we connect this to the bigger picture, there’s  growing research showing that strong social connections and feeling loved and supported can actually boost your immune system, lower stress levels, and even help you recover from illness faster.

Sam

Wow, that’s amazing. So, all these elements of the proverb eating moderately, staying active, laughing often. And cultivating loving relationships. They all work together to create a more fulfilling and healthier life.

Claire

Precisely. It’s not about just checking off one box. It’s about embracing a holistic approach to well-being.

Sam

I like that.

Claire

All these pieces fit together to create that bigger picture of a life well-lived.

Sam

That’s such a powerful message. 

Claire

You know, as we were talking about laughter being the best medicine. It made me think about how we often compartmentalize these different aspects of well-being.

Sam

What do you mean?

Claire

Well, we have our fitness routine, our healthy eating plan, our social calendar. But maybe this Tibetan proverb is prompting us to see them as interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle.

Sam

Oh, I see what you’re saying. It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about creating a lifestyle where all these elements flow together naturally.

Claire

Exactly. And I think that’s where the concept of love without measure really comes into play. It’s not just about romantic love. It’s about cultivating a sense of connection and belonging in all areas of your life.

Sam

So that could include our relationships with family and friends.

Claire

Absolutely.

Sam

Our communities, our work. Even our hobbies and passions.

Claire

Absolutely. It’s about finding those things that bring you joy, those activities and relationships that make you feel alive and connected to something larger than yourself.

Sam

You know, it kind of makes me think about extending that love and compassion to ourselves, too. Treating ourselves with kindness and understanding. Especially when we stumble or fall short of our own expectations.

Claire

That’s such an important point. Self-love is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely essential for overall well-being.

Sam

I agree with that.

Claire

It’s about accepting ourselves as we are, flaws and all, and recognizing our inherent worthiness of love and happiness.

Sam

And I think that self-love can actually empower us to make healthier choices in other areas of our lives, like what we eat and how we move our bodies. Yeah. It’s not about punishment or deprivation, right? It’s about honouring and nourishing ourselves.

Claire

Exactly. It’s about making choices that align with our values and support our overall well-being. 

Sam

It’s interesting how this proverb, which seems so simple on the surface, actually touches on some really profound truths about human nature and what it means to live a good life.

Claire

It’s a reminder that true well-being is not about chasing some external goal or achieving some perfect state of health. It’s about embracing the journey. With all its ups and downs and finding joy and connection along the way.

Sam

And maybe, just maybe, it’s about recognizing that the secret to living well and longer is not really a secret at all. It’s about living with intention. Cultivating love and laughter and savouring the simple pleasures of life.

Claire

Beautifully said.

Sam

Thank you.

Claire

And you know, it makes you wonder if these ancient proverbs passed down through generations hold a wisdom that transcends time and culture.

Sam

I think they do.

Claire

Me, too.

Sam 

There’s a reason these sayings have resonated with people for centuries. They tap into something fundamental about the human experience. Something that we all long for, no matter our background or beliefs,

Claire

And perhaps in our fast-paced technology-driven world, these proverbs serve as gentle nudges, reminding us to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and each other and embrace the beauty of the present moment.

Sam

I love that thought. So, as we wrap up this deep dive into the Tibetan proverb, I’m curious to hear what’s resonating with you. What’s your biggest takeaway?

Claire

That’s a great question. I think for me, it’s the reminder that well-being is a holistic journey, not a destination.

It’s about finding that sweet spot where our physical, emotional, and social needs are all in harmony. And it’s about recognizing that joy, laughter, and love are not just nice to-haves. They’re essential ingredients for a long and fulfilling life.

Sam

That’s a good point.

Claire

What about you? What’s standing out for you?

Sam

You know, I’m really struck by the simplicity of the proverb. It’s not about complicated diets or gruelling workouts. It’s about making small, mindful choices in our everyday lives. Eating a little less, moving a little more, finding reasons to laugh, and nurturing our relationships. It’s about approaching life with a sense of playfulness and appreciation. And I think that’s something we can all do regardless of our circumstances.

Claire

Absolutely. It’s about shifting our perspective, focusing on what we can control, and finding joy in the little things.

Sam 

I think that’s a beautiful message to leave our listeners with. And on that note, we’ve come to the end of another Espresso Expedition’s Brewed review. We want to thank you so much for joining us on this exploration of the Tibetan proverb.

Claire

Yes, thank you.

Sam

We hope this conversation has sparked some new ideas and inspired you to embrace a more holistic approach to well-being. Thanks once again for listening to this podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes from the Rita community. Until then, this is Sam

Claire

and this is Claire.